Growth and development changes in the first year of life are numerous and dramatic. Though timing may vary from infant to infant, in order in which developmental skills are acquired is consistent. Nurses must be familiar with normal developmental milestone in order to accurately assess the child’s development and provide age-appropriate anticipatory guidance to the parents.
Melly is 6-month-old girl brought to clinic by her mother for her 6-month check-up. On assessment, you find that Melly’s weight is 7 kg, length 65 cm and head circumference 44 cm. You are the nurse caring for her.
i.Explain the assessment of growth and development for Melly.
ii.Elaborate the changes to expect in Melly over the next few months.
After a fe months, the mother brings Melly 9-month-old girl to the clinic for a well- child check-up again. Melly’s mother expresses concern that her daughter is not walking yet, because her cousin’s baby walked at 9 months.
iii.Explain the similarities and differences between the two children compared by the mother.
iv.Discuss how you identify a child with developmental delay.
Sample Solution